Apparatus and method for securing a watt-hour electrical meter to a socket box

ABSTRACT

The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for securing a watt-hour electrical meter to a socket meter box. A locking ring comprises a divided annular band fitted with tab members configured to accept a variety of ring fasteners. The tab members support a variety of ring fastener and fastener receiver assemblies, and have complementary mating surfaces that substantially mate around the head of an installed meter so that the locking ring is tamper-resistant. The ring fastener and fastener receiver have a number of complementary apertures disposed to receive either wire seals or other locking mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical service providers generally deliver electricity to theircustomers via power lines buried underground or distributed along polesor towers overhead. The provider's power lines are usually distributedfrom a power generation station to various sets of customer lines, sothat customers can then use the power to satisfy their variouselectrical needs. To measure delivered power so that customers can bebilled in proportion to their usage, service providers typicallyterminate their power lines at a customer's home or business facilitythrough a metered socket box, various designs for which are well known.

For example, one known watt-hour meter socket consists of a meter boxhaving two sets of electrical connections, with a provider'stransmission lines being connected to one set of connections, and thecustomer's service lines to the other set. To establish a circuit andmeasure the amount of electricity a customer uses, the socket box isconfigured to accept a watt-hour meter, or another electricity usagemeasurement device, which, when plugged into the socket, permitstransmission of electricity from the provider to the customer and allowsthe amount of transmitted electricity to be measured in watt-hours, sothat the provider can charge the customer for power usage at anappropriate rate.

Various designs and uses for watt-hour meters are also well known, andall such designs and uses are incorporated into the teachings of thepresent invention. The present invention is also applicable insituations where the customer's electrical service lines are routed fromthe socket box to a breaker box, so that electricity can be distributedto various other service locations using additional sets of power linesor wires.

There are several known types of socket meter boxes, each beingdistinguished by the method in which the meter is secured in place onceit has been plugged into the socket. For example, there is a ringlesstype meter box, which typically includes a meter box, an installedmeter, and a box cover. A flange is formed around a meter head passagespace disposed in a central portion of the box cover. A complementaryflange is disposed on the meter base, so that the complementary flangesections join together when the meter head passage space is placed overand around the meter head. The meter box cover is then secured using asecurity device, for example, a small latch assembly or the like,disposed on the box cover, which functions in structural cooperationwith a complementary latch-receiving member disposed on the meter box,thereby ensuring that the meter cannot be easily removed without firstremoving the cover after installation is complete.

As seen in prior art FIG. 1, a ringed socket meter box 5 is also known,which typically includes a box cover flange 10 formed around a meterhead passage space 12 cut out of a central portion of box cover 20.Meters used in conjunction with a ringed type socket meter box 5 aredesigned to interface with box cover flange 10 by means of acomplementary mounting flange 40 disposed on the meter base, forming awatt-hour meter and meter box cover flange combination. The meter flangeis then secured to the box flange by means of an annular, lockablesealing ring 50. The ring sealed meter socket box is designed such that,once a meter is plugged into the socket and the box cover is installedover the meter head, the meter cannot easily be removed without firstremoving the sealing ring. The box cover secures the meter to theelectrical socket so that completion of an electrical circuit is ensuredand reliably prevents the meter from falling out of the socket.

The box cover also prevents unauthorized persons from tampering with aninstalled meter. For example, some customers have attempted to bypassthe meter, so that unmeasured electricity could be used free of charge.Also, service providers are sometimes forced to disconnect service tocustomers, for example, due to non-payment of monthly bills. In thisevent, the box cover keeps a customer from entering the socket box andreconnecting electrical service. However, in instances where a smalllatch assembly on the box fails to provide sufficient security for themeter and socket box, a sturdier, more tamper resistant solution isrequired.

In prior art FIG. 2, a known lockable sealing ring is depicted in whichan annular locking band 60 is divided so as to form two terminusportions 61, 62. In practice, locking band 60 is wrapped around themeter and box cover flange combination after the meter has beeninstalled into an electrical socket disposed in the meter box. Adiameter measured between interior surfaces of the band will varydepending on whether terminus portions 61, 62 are loosely disposed ordrawn together.

Once terminus portions 61, 62 have been drawn together, a lockingmechanism 70 is attached so that terminus portions 61, 62 are securelyheld. A fastener 75 is aligned with a captured nut 80, and thenrotatably threaded into a receiving portion of captured nut 80.Installation of fastener 75 is usually completed using a screwdriver oranother hand tool. As fastener 75 is progressively threaded intocaptured nut 80, terminus portions 61 and 62 are drawn together untilthe band is tightly wrapped around a circumference of the meter and boxflange combination, thereby securing the meter in place within the box.

There are other known sealing ring housing and fastener configurations.For example, a box-sealing ring is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,038,in which a pair of sealing ring housings is disposed on opposite ends ofan annular band. Bendable mounting tabs are extended from each of thering housings into slots disposed in the band. A threaded fastenerextends through a first threaded aperture disposed in one housing, andthen through a second threaded aperture disposed in an opposite housing.An enlarged fastener head enables the installer to hand thread thefastener through each of the apertures during initial phases ofinstallation. Fully threaded installation of the fastener is effected byinserting a screwdriver into receiving slots formed in each end of thefasteners and then rotating the screwdriver.

An axial slot cut in one end of the fastener is aligned with an apertureprovided in the walls of the opposite housing member to permitattachment of a security device. Known methods of attaching the housingsto the band include riveting the housings onto the ring, combiningrivets with tabs to affix the housings to the band, and welding thehousing to the ring.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent there exists a strong need foran inexpensive and effective means by which a watt-hour meter can bereliably secured to socket box cover. There is also a need for a meterbox cover locking device that is simple in design, requires a reducednumber of parts, and permits an installer to quickly, safely andeffectively install the device without the use of tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one example embodiment, an apparatus for securing awatt-hour meter to a meter box cover is provided comprising: an annularband, wherein a body portion of said annular band is divided to furthercomprise a first band portion and a second band portion; a first tabmember disposed on said first band portion, wherein a first apertureregion is formed through a body portion of said first tab member; a ringfastener having a first end and a second end; and a ring fastenersupport member for supporting disposition of said ring fastener throughsaid first aperture region.

According to a further embodiment, a method of securing an electricalmeter to a meter socket box is provided comprising: providing an annularband, wherein a body portion of said annular band is divided to furthercomprise a first band portion and a second band portion; disposing afirst tab member on said first band portion, wherein a first apertureregion is formed through a body portion of said first tab member;providing a ring fastener having a first end and a second end; anddisposing a ring fastener support member in structural cooperation withsaid ring fastener to support disposition of said ring fastener throughsaid first aperture region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a typical watt-hour meter socket box,including a watt-hour meter and a known locking ring.

FIG. 2 is a close up view of a locking ring fastening means according toa previously known example of a locking ring.

FIG. 3 a is a plan view of a locking ring according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 b is a rotational view of the locking ring shown in FIG. 3 a, inwhich two apertures are formed through body portions of opposed lockingring tab members.

FIG. 3 c is a rotational view of the locking ring shown in FIG. 3 a, inwhich four apertures are formed in the tab members.

FIG. 4 a is a plan view of a locking ring having a ring fastener andfastener receiver assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 b is a close up view of the ring fastener shown in FIG. 4 a, inwhich the fastener is shown installed through an aperture formed in abody portion of a tab member.

FIG. 4 c is a close up view of the fastener receiver shown in FIG. 4 a,in which the fastener receiver is shown installed through an apertureformed in a body portion of a tab member.

FIG. 5 a is a plan view of the locking ring shown in FIG. 4 a, in whichopposed tab members are shown drawn together by means of an installedring fastener and fastener receiver assembly.

FIG. 5 b is a close up view of the ring fastener and fastener receiverassembly shown in FIG. 5 a, in which terminus edge portions of opposedtab members are tightly drawn so as to hinder unauthorized tamperingwith the ring fastener and fastener receiver assembly after installationis complete.

FIG. 6 a is a plan view of a ring fastener according to one aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 b is a rotational view of the ring fastener shown in FIG. 6 a, inwhich the ring fastener is rotated ninety degrees relative to theposition shown in FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 c is a plan view of a ring fastener according to a further aspectof the present invention.

FIG. 6 d is a plan view of a ring fastener according to a still furtheraspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 e is a plan view of a means of retaining a ring fasteneraccording to a further aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 a is a plan view of a fastener receiver according to one aspectof the present invention.

FIG. 7 b is a plan view of a fastener receiver according to a furtheraspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 a is a plan view of a ring fastener and staking tool according toone aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8 b is a close up view of the ring fastener and staking tool shownin FIG. 8 a, in which the ring fastener is shown partially inserted intothe fastener housing.

FIG. 8 c is a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled ringfastener and staking tool according to a further aspect of theinvention.

FIG. 9 a is a plan view of a fastener receiver after swaging.

FIG. 9 b is a plan view of a swaging tool.

FIG. 9 c shows a cross-sectional view of a fastener receiver and swagingtool combination according to a further aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

According to a specific, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, andreferring now to FIG. 3 a, an apparatus for securing a watt-hourelectrical meter to a socket box cover comprises an annular band 100, abody portion of which is divided to comprise opposed tab members 176,178. In certain embodiments, an interior diameter 130 of annular band100 is selected to fit around a watt-hour meter and socket box flangecombination in accord with industry standards, for example, in accordwith the industrial standard for watt-hour meters set by the AmericanNational Standards Institute (“ANSI”). In other embodiments, however, aninterior diameter 130 of annular band 100 is selected to secureelectrical meters of non-standard or proprietary sizes that do not meetthe ANSI industrial standards for watt-hour meters.

According to one example embodiment, annular band 100 is formed from ametallic material. In another embodiment, the band is extruded from ametal strip. In a further embodiment, the band material is rolled intothe shape of an annular band. In a still further embodiment, the band isextruded from a solid rod. In other embodiments, annular band 100 isformed from a composite material, for example, from a hardened resin. Instill other embodiments, annular band 100 is formed from plastic.

According to other aspects of the invention, apertures are formed ineither one or both of the band's tab members to support installation ofa ring fastening means. Forming apertures in the tab members is achievedin various embodiments by drilling, stamping, cutting or burningtechniques, or using any other acceptable fabrication method availableto one of ordinary skill in the art. In an alternative embodiment, onlyone ring tab member has an aperture portion formed therethrough, theother tab member comprising a complementary housing and nut assembly; ina further embodiment, the second tab member comprises a housing memberfor housing a rotatably secure fastener assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 3 b, an isometric view of the apparatus forsecuring a watt-hour meter to a socket box shown in FIG. 3 a is shown.Disposed through body portions of locking tab members 176, 178 areopposed, substantially circular apertures 130, 140; opposed tab memberterminus portions 110, 120 are also provided. Each of apertures 110-140support installation of numerous ring fastener and fastener receiverassemblies, as is discussed in greater detail below.

Tab members 176, 178 also perform multiple functions. For example, insome embodiments, tab members 176, 178 comprise support structures forfastener combinations used to draw terminus portions 110, 120 tightlytogether. In other embodiments, tab members 176, 178 are used asgrasping points by installers during assembly, and permit terminusportions 110, 120 to be drawn tightly together so that a fastener andreceiver combination can be engaged. Once tab member terminus portions110, 120 are tightly drawn and tab members 176, 178 are locked together,any subsequent attempt to tamper with the installed ring fastener andreceiver assembly is significantly hindered.

Referring now to FIG. 3 c, an alternative embodiment is shown wherein aplurality of apertures 130-160 is formed in body portions of each of tabmembers 176, 178. In one example embodiment, apertures 130, 140 aresubstantially circular in shape, and permit a cylindrical ring fastenerand fastener receiver combination to be attached. In another embodiment,apertures 150, 160 are substantially ovoid in shape, and are suitablefor receiving any known fastening device that will fit within theconfines of the apertures. It should be noted, however, that virtuallyany size or number of apertures of any shape can be employed, providedthat reciprocal pairs of apertures are disposed on the tab members 176,178 so that a fastening means can be reliably installed through each ofthe apertures prior to completion of installation.

In further embodiments, a wire seal is inserted through each of circularapertures 130, 140 in order to secure the tab members 176, 178 together.In still further embodiments, only apertures 150 and 160 are present,and a wire seal or a mechanical locking mechanism is used to hold thetab members together. In further embodiments still, tab members 176, 178are secured by means of a mechanical lock, such as a padlock, afastening end of which is inserted through each of two opposingapertures and then fastened into a body portion of the lock.

FIG. 4 a illustrates an example embodiment of the invention whereannular band 170 further comprises a pair of opposed tab members 176,178, each having a circular aperture formed in a body portion throughwhich ring fastener 180 and fastener receiver 190 have been installed.In some embodiments, ovoid apertures 192 and 194 are included so that awire seal ring or a mechanical lock can also be attached.

In FIG. 4 b, a close up view of ring fastener 180 is provided, whereinfastener 180 is installed through an aperture formed in a body portionof tab member 178. Ring fastener 180 has a gripping member 200 disposedat one end, and a threaded shaft 220 and ring fastener aperture 210disposed at an opposite end. In certain embodiments, there is more thanone ring fastener aperture 210 formed through ring fastener 180 atvarious axial locations around the ring fastener. In a presentlypreferred embodiment, a support shelf 230 rotatably supports ringfastener 180 after it has been passed through the aperture formed in tabmember 178. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 b, gripping member 200comprises a substantially cylindrical body, and includes a grippingsurface that permits an installer to easily grasp and rotate thegripping member 200 during installation.

FIG. 4 c is a close up view of fastener receiver 190 disposed in anaperture formed through a body portion of tab member 176. In someembodiments, a fastener aperture 192 is formed in a body portion of thefastener receiver 190. In other embodiments, fastener receiver 190 has apair of opposed fastener apertures 202, 208 disposed at one end, and athreaded receiving portion 206 and a support member 204 combinationdisposed at an opposite end. Opposed apertures 202, 208 are disposedsuch that single a standard wire seal may be inserted through bothapertures during installation. In other embodiments, a fastening memberof a padlock or another mechanical lock is inserted through apertures202, 208 and then secured by a locking mechanism disposed in a bodyportion of the lock.

In various other embodiments, apertures 202, 208 are disposed at otheraxial locations on the receiving member, and not necessarily the opposedaxial locations shown in FIG. 4 c. In further embodiments, there is onlyone aperture 202 formed through a body portion of fastener receiver 190.In still further embodiments, there are more than two apertures disposedformed through a body portion of fastener receiver 190, while in otherembodiments, a plurality of opposed pairs of apertures is disposed atvarious other axial locations disposed around the body of fastenerreceiver 190.

Returning to FIG. 4 a for a moment, a method of securing a watt-hourmeter to a socket box is provided, wherein an installer grasps outersurfaces of tab members 176 and 178, and draws tab member terminusportions 172, 174 tightly together. After ring fastener 180 is alignedwith an aperture formed through a body portion of tab member 178, athreaded shaft portion of ring fastener 180 is threaded through theaperture and into a threaded receiving portion of fastener receiver 190.After the ring fastener shaft is fully threaded into a body portion offastener receiver 190, fastener 180 is finally tightened by means of awheel knob rotated at the head of the fastener. In various otherembodiments, an installer achieves final installation by tightening thering fastener with a hand tool, such as a screwdriver or a ratchet.

FIG. 5 a is a plan view of the locking ring shown in FIG. 4 a, in whichopposed tab members are shown drawn together by means of an installedring fastener 180 and fastener receiver 190 assembly. FIG. 5 b is aclose up view of the ring fastener 180 and fastener receiver 190 shownin FIG. 5 a, in which terminus edge portions 172, 174 of opposed tabmembers 176, 178 are tightly drawn so as to hinder unauthorizedtampering with the ring fastener 180 and fastener receiver 190 afterinstallation is complete.

According to further aspects of the invention, and referring now to FIG.6 a, a ring fastener is provided comprising a gripping member 250, asupport member 260, a threaded shaft 270, and a body portion 280 havinga fastener aperture 282 formed therethrough. Gripping member 250 is usedto thread and rotate the ring fastener during installation. Threadedshaft 270 is used to thread the fastener into a receiving member (notshown), and fastener aperture 282 is sized to accept a known metalsealing wire. In other embodiments, fastener aperture 282 is sized toreceive a fastening portion of a padlock or other mechanical lock. FIG.6 b shows the ring fastener of FIG. 6 a when rotated ninety degrees sothat body portion 280 is viewed on edge.

In one embodiment, support member 260 has an outer circumference that issmaller than an inner circumference of the aperture through which it isto be installed; in this embodiment, the head of gripping member 250 isalso larger than a circumference of the aperture. In various otherembodiments, support shelf 260 has a circumference of about the samesize as the circumference of gripping member 250.

In certain embodiments, the gripping member is formed structurallyintegral with a ring fastener shaft member. However, in alternativeembodiments, the gripping member is formed separately from the ringfastener shaft member and then attached to the shaft member using knownattachment methods, for example, by gluing or welding the grippingmember to a head portion of the shaft member, or by threading a threadedportion of the shaft member head into a thread receiving portion cutinto an interior portion of the gripping member.

FIGS. 6 c-6 e show various other embodiments of the ring fastener 250,in which various other apertures, threading and support member featuresare depicted. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 c, ringfastener 250 further comprises a support shelf 260, and a fasteneraperture 284 disposed within a threaded shaft portion 272 of ringfastener 250. In the example embodiment of FIG. 6 d, a portion of thesupport shelf terminates in a recessed groove 262, around which aretaining member 264 (see FIG. 6 e) is placed so that one or more tabmembers 265 a-c fit down within the recessed groove to further inhibitremoval of the ring fastener.

According to further aspects of the invention, and referring now to FIG.7 a, a fastener receiving 300 is shown having a threaded receivingportion 310. Threaded receiving portion 310 receives a ring fastenerinto a fastener receiver body portion 316. Threaded receiving portion310 has an outer circumference smaller than the circumference of theaperture through which it will be installed. In some embodiments, afastening aperture 315 is disposed in a body portion of fastenerreceiver 300; in other embodiments, fastening aperture 315 is sized soas to receive a padlock or other mechanical locking mechanism. Accordingto certain embodiments, support member 320 is swaged into an aperturerather than threaded, using methods and means for swaging described ingreater detail below. As seen in FIG. 7 b, in certain embodimentssupport shelf 320 has a receiving channel 305 formed around an externalcircumference so as to receive a lock washer or the like.

Turning now to FIG. 8 a, a further aspect of the invention is showncomprising a ring fastener 355 and ring fastener housing 350combination. Ring fastener housing 350 is essentially a staking tool. Inthe example embodiment depicted in FIG. 8 a, ring fastener housing 350is a cylindrical housing, but in other embodiments it is contemplatedthat ring fastener housing 350 is conic or funnel shaped, and those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other housing geometries,and combinations of housing geometries, will admit to satisfactoryresults according to the invention.

In practice, ring fastener housing 350 is employed by feeding a threadedshaft portion of ring fastener 355 through an interior cylindricalportion of fastener housing 350, and then pressing staking protrusion360 against support member 370 with sufficient force to dent orotherwise deform the support shelf 370. When staking protrusion 360 ispressed against support member 370 with sufficient force to increase theouter circumference of support member 370, ring fastener 355 cannotsubsequently be easily removed from the assembly.

According to one embodiment, the force required for staking protrusion360 to deform support member 370 varies in proportion to thecharacteristics of the material from which ring fastener 355 is made. Inone example embodiment, the amount of force required for stakingprotrusion 360 to deform support member 370 is between around 250 poundsand around 1,000 pounds per square inch. In other embodiments, however,satisfactory staking results are achieved by using less than around 250pounds of force per square inch. In applications in which ring fastener355 is formed from a less malleable material, a force greater thanaround 1,000 pounds per square inch is required for staking protrusion360 to deform support member 370.

FIG. 8 b is a close up view of ring fastener 355 and ring fastenerhousing 350, shown after staking portion 360 has deformed portions 365,367 of support member 370. Deformed portions 365, 367 are depicted inthis embodiment as having been formed on opposite sides of supportmember 370; however, in alternative embodiments, only one deformedsection 367 is formed on the support member 370 by applying force tostaking protrusion 360. In various other embodiments, the entirety ofsupport member 370 is deformed using staking portion 360.

FIG. 8 c is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 a,further comprising a ring fastener housing 350 having a single stakingprotrusion 360. In other embodiments, multiple staking protrusions aredisposed around a head portion of ring fastener housing 350 so as todeform multiple sections of the support member 370 when sufficient forceis applied to the staking protrusions. During a staking operation, ringfastener 355 is inserted into an aperture formed through a body portionof a tab member; a ring fastener housing 350 is then fit over a threadedshaft portion of the ring fastener, and force is applied to the stakingprotrusion 360 (for example, by striking the fastener housing with ahammer or a mallet), until deformed regions develop around acircumference of support member 370.

As seen in FIGS. 9 a-9 c, portions of a fastener receiver 300 may alsobe deformed by means of a swedging tool or the like in order to makeremoval of the fastener receiver more difficult after installation iscomplete. For example, as seen in FIG. 9 b, a swedging tool 400comprises a body portion and a swedging portion 402. The swedgingportion is forcefully applied to a receiving portion 310 disposed infastener receiver 300 (see FIG. 9 a) so as to deform a threaded regionof receiving portion 310 and inhibit subsequent tampering.

The foregoing specification is provided for illustrative purposes only,and is not intended to describe all possible aspects of the presentinvention. Moreover, while the invention has been shown and described indetail with respect to several exemplary embodiments, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that changes to the description, andvarious other modifications, omissions and additions may also be madewithout departing from either the spirit or scope thereof.

1. An apparatus for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box,said apparatus comprising: an annular band, wherein a body portion ofsaid annular band is divided to further comprise a first band portionand a second band portion; a first tab member disposed on said firstband portion, wherein a first aperture region is formed through a bodyportion of said first tab member; a ring fastener having a first end anda second end; and a ring fastener support member suitable for supportingdisposition of said ring fastener through said first aperture region. 2.The apparatus for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box ofclaim 1, further comprising a second tab member disposed on said secondband portion.
 3. The apparatus for securing an electrical meter to ameter socket box of claim 2, wherein said second tab member furthercomprises a second aperture formed through a body portion of said secondtab member.
 4. The apparatus for securing an electrical meter to a metersocket box of claim 1, wherein said ring fastener further comprises athreaded shaft disposed at said first end.
 5. The apparatus for securingan electrical meter to a meter socket box of claim 4, further comprisinga ring fastener receiver for receiving said threaded shaft of said ringfastener.
 6. The apparatus for securing an electrical meter to a metersocket box of claim 1, wherein said ring fastener further comprises afastening member disposed at said second end.
 7. The apparatus forsecuring an electrical meter to a meter socket box of claim 1, whereinsaid ring fastener support member further comprises a support member. 8.The apparatus for securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box ofclaim 1, wherein said ring fastener support member further comprises astaking tool.
 9. The apparatus for securing an electrical meter to ameter socket box of claim 8, wherein said ring fastener housing furthercomprises a swaging tool.
 10. An apparatus for securing an electricalmeter to a meter socket box, said apparatus comprising: an annular band,wherein a body portion of said annular band is divided to furthercomprise a first band portion and a second band portion; a first tabmember disposed on said first band portion, wherein a first apertureregion is formed through a body portion of said first tab member; asecond tab member disposed on said second band portion, wherein a secondaperture region is formed through a body portion of said second tabmember; a ring fastener having a first end and a second end, whereinsaid first end further comprises a threaded shaft and said second endfurther comprises a gripping member; and a ring fastener support memberfor supporting disposition of said ring fastener through said firstaperture region and said second aperture region.
 11. A method ofsecuring an electrical meter to a meter socket box, said methodcomprising: providing an annular band, wherein a body portion of saidannular band is divided to further comprise a first band portion and asecond band portion; disposing a first tab member on said first bandportion, wherein a first aperture region is formed through a bodyportion of said first tab member; providing a ring fastener having afirst end and a second end; and disposing a ring fastener support memberin structural cooperation with said ring fastener to support dispositionof said ring fastener through said first aperture region.
 12. The methodof securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box of claim 11,further comprising disposing a second tab member on said second bandportion.
 13. The method of securing an electrical meter to a metersocket box of claim 12, wherein said disposing said second tab memberfurther comprises disposing a second tab member further comprising asecond aperture formed through a body portion of said second tab member.14. The method of securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box ofclaim 11, wherein said disposing said ring fastener further comprisesdisposing a ring fastener comprising a threaded shaft disposed at saidfirst end.
 15. The method of securing an electrical meter to a metersocket box of claim 14, further comprising disposing a ring fastenerreceiver suitable for receiving said threaded shaft of said ringfastener.
 16. The method of securing an electrical meter to a metersocket box of claim 1, wherein said disposing said ring fastener furthercomprises disposing a ring fastener comprising a fastening knob disposedat said second end.
 17. The method of securing an electrical meter to ameter socket box of claim 1, wherein said disposing said ring fastenerfurther comprises disposing a ring fastener comprising a support shelf.18. The method of securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box ofclaim 1, wherein said disposing said ring fastener support memberfurther comprises disposing a ring fastener support member comprising aring fastener housing.
 19. The method for securing an electrical meterto a meter socket box of claim 18, wherein said disposing said ringfastener housing further comprises disposing a swaging tool.
 20. Themethod of securing an electrical meter to a meter socket box, saidmethod comprising: providing an annular band, wherein a body portion ofsaid annular band is divided to further comprise a first band portionand a second band portion; disposing a first tab member disposed on saidfirst band portion, wherein a first aperture region is formed through abody portion of said first tab member; disposing a second tab memberdisposed on said second band portion, wherein a second aperture regionis formed through a body portion of said second tab member; providing aring fastener having a first end and a second end, wherein said firstend further comprises a threaded shaft and said second end furthercomprises a fastening knob; and disposing a ring fastener support membersuitable for supporting disposition of said ring fastener through saidfirst aperture region and said second aperture region.